Who Is Doctor Meyer?

Dr. David M. Meyer has been providing excellent orthodontic care since 1986. He received his professional education from the University of Nebraska and obtained his orthodontic degree from the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Medicine.Back to Top

Dr. Meyer remains active in his field and holds professional memberships with the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the International College of Dentists, the Eastern South Dakota Orthodontic Study Club and has the honor of being board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.

Will It Hurt When I Get Braces?

There is no pain involved when getting your braces put on, and there is no need for any shots.

Your teeth may be a little sore after the braces are adjusted but taking an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, should ease any discomfort that you may have.Back to Top

What Happens At My Initial Orthodontic Exam?

Everyone’s initial orthodontic exam is pain-free and complimentary. This visit lets us learn about your smile, so we can make a proper diagnosis. It also gives each patient a chance to get comfortable in our office.

For patients nine and older, we may take an x-ray and some photographs. We take these images and your dental health into consideration to estimate how long it will take to correct any problems. At this time, we also estimate what the fee will be to accomplish your treatment.

We do this free consultation for every new patient so you can leave with all of the information necessary to make a decision about orthodontic treatment.Back to Top

What Happens After My Braces Are Off?

Orthodontics is an investment, and investment for a lifetime.

We want to keep your teeth straight. You’ve gone through all the effort and worked hard to accomplish that, so when the braces are off, we go into what we call retention, basically retaining the teeth in the position we put them in.

This involves putting a very small tiny wire on the inside of your teeth where no one can see it. You might feel it for a couple of days with your tongue and then you forget about it and that actually bonds in to hold the teeth in position. It has some flexibility, so the teeth can wiggle and shift a little bit while you are chewing but not to move out of alignment. That’s the most common thing we use and sometimes we will back it up with a removable retainer–A small plastic apparatus that you will wear just while you are sleeping at night.Back to Top

Why Do Adults Get Braces?

The most common reason for adults to get braces is aesthetics, they want a better smile. It’s never too late to have orthodontics and move your teeth!

Some of our adult patients had wanted braces since they were teenagers but were limited by time or money. A better smile not only makes you look better, but also feel better. This can even improve career prospects and job performance!Back to Top

What Is An Orthodontic Adjustment?

When we begin, your teeth are crooked–so when we put the braces on, they are crooked as well. We put a very light wire in. This wire is straight. When we tie the wire in to the braces the wire wants to go back to its original straight shape, and so it starts to pull and push your teeth.

When you come in in every four to six weeks, we are retying to re-energize the wire to keep the moving where we want them. This may also involve putting in a bigger wire that fits a little tighter in the brace to move them some more.Back to Top

How Long Do Braces Stay On?

The amount of time you need to wear braces will vary depending on your individual smile. For a full set of braces, it usually takes between 18 and 30 months. On average, we see patients wearing braces for around 22 months.Back to Top

How Old Should I Be To See An Orthodontist And Get Braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association recommend that a child see an orthodontist around age of seven or eight. This is when your first permanent teeth have just come in, and we can evaluate if there are any early signs of problems developing.

The most common time to start treating children is when they are just getting into their permanent teeth, which is around age 12.Back to Top

Do I Need To Be With My Child When They Come In For Adjustments?

It is not necessary for the parents to come to the adjustments. The doctor will contact the parents if needed.Back to Top

Do I Continue Seeing My Family Dentist For Cleanings While Wearing My Braces?

Yes, you need to continue with your regular checkups while in braces. Oral hygiene is very important.Back to Top

Can I Still Play Sports With Braces?

Yes, you can still play sports but it is recommended that a mouth guard be worn. Ask us for details on which mouth guard would be best.Back to Top

How Often Will I Need To Come For Adjustments?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4-6 weeks.Back to Top

Can I Schedule All My Appointments After School?

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students after-school hours. Because most appointments are scheduled 6 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic care. We will make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.Back to Top

Can I Return To School The Day I Receive My Braces?

Are Financing Options Available?

We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help maximize your benefit and file your claims.Back to Top

Why Should I Choose An Orthodontic Specialist?

It is important that treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatment. To learn more, see this page.Back to Top

How Much Will Braces Cost?

Every patient is different. Some need minor adjustments; others need major changes to their alignment. And because each case requires different treatments, there isn’t an average cost. Come in for a free examination and we’ll give you a price with no obligation.Back to Top

Which Kind Of Braces Are Best For Me?

There are many different kinds of braces, including fixed braces, clear braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces and clear mouth pieces like Invisalign.

Do I Need A Referral To Visit The Orthodontist?

No, you do not. Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if they notice a severe issue but you do not need a referral to get orthodontics.Back to Top

Are There Foods I Cannot Eat With Braces?

Yes, once treatment begins, a staff member will explain the complete instructions and provide a list of foods to avoid. Most emergency appointments to repair broken brackets can be avoided by following our instructions.